This follows a back-and-forth between Senate Republicans and Walker on Tuesday over his nomination of Randall Kowalke to replace former Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla.

Kowalke applied for the seat but was not on the list of finalists sent to Walker by Republicans in that district. Republican Senate leaders urged Walker to seek more nominees if he could not support a candidate from the initial slate of finalists.

But Walker stood by his pick and did not commit to returning to district Republicans for more names if Kowalke is rejected.

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4:55 p.m.

Gov. Bill Walker is standing by his nominee for an Alaska Senate seat.

Walker on Friday appointed Randall Kowalke to replace former Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla. Kowalke applied for the seat but was not among the finalists that Republicans in that district sent Walker for consideration.

Walker isn't bound to the list, though his pick is subject to confirmation by Senate Republicans.

Republican Senate leaders said if Walker rejects the finalists, the district should have a chance to give him a new list.

Walker said Kowalke received more support from local officials and residents in the district than the other applicants combined. He said members of the Republican-led Senate majority also encouraged him to appoint Kowalke.

He didn't commit to returning to district Republicans for more names if Kowalke is rejected.

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3:55 p.m.

Alaska Senate leaders are urging Gov. Bill Walker go back to the drawing board in seeking nominees for a vacant Senate seat.

Walker appointed Randall Kowalke (coh-WAHL-kee) to the seat vacated by former Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla. Kowalke was among 11 applicants for the seat but not among the three finalists Republicans in that district sent Walker for consideration.

Walker isn't bound to the list. But in a letter to Walker Tuesday, Senate President Pete Kelly and Senate Majority Leader Peter Micciche said if he rejects the finalists, the district should have a chance to give him a new list.

They said he also could go with one of the initial finalists.

Kowalke's appointment is subject to confirmation by Senate Republicans. The letter indicated there's been no such vote.